The $5 million Digital Farm Grants program has reached a milestone with the Chapman Valley-Northampton fixed wireless network now fully operational and boasting 37 new service connections.
Project completion has been well-timed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with families practising on-farm social distancing in the region resulting in a spike in requests for connections.
The State Government has provided $1 million to the Mid-West rollout, with a further $1.5 million of cash and value-in-kind contributed by local shires, grower groups and network and information technology company LogicIT Solutions.
High-speed broadband services are currently being provided to the Shires of Chapman Valley, Northampton, Irwin, Mingenew, Three Springs, Coorow, Carnamah, Morawa, Perenjori, and parts of the City of Greater Geraldton.
MWDC has been coordinating the efforts of the local governments since 2015 with the project having its origins through comprehensive effort in establishing a Mid West Digital Development Strategy.
The second Mid-West Digital Farm network, in the North Midlands, is due for completion by the end of June.
Full media statement: Communications investments benefit Mid West and Gascoyne